Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets

ABSTRACT

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to a multiple speed transmission having a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices and more particularly to a transmission having seven or more speeds, three planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.

A typical multiple speed transmission uses a combination of friction clutches, planetary gear arrangements and fixed interconnections to achieve a plurality of gear ratios. The number and physical arrangement of the planetary gear sets, generally, are dictated by packaging, cost and desired speed ratios.

While current transmissions achieve their intended purpose, the need for new and improved transmission configurations which exhibit improved performance, especially from the standpoints of efficiency, responsiveness and smoothness and improved packaging, primarily reduced size and weight, is essentially constant. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, cost-effective, compact multiple speed transmission.

SUMMARY

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes.

In another embodiment of the transmission, the transmission has an input member, an output member, first, second, and third planetary gear sets. Each of the planetary gear sets has a sun gear, carrier and ring gear members. The input member is continuously interconnected to the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set and the output member is continuously interconnected to the ring gear member of the second planetary gear set.

Moreover, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnects the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set with the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set. A second interconnecting member continuously interconnects the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set.

Additionally, a first torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set. A second torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the input member with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set and the carrier member of the first planetary gear set. A third torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect sun gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set. A fourth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element. A fifth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set and the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element. A sixth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the carrier member of the first and second planetary gear set with the stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention a transmission is provided having a first interconnecting member continuously interconnects the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set. A second interconnecting member continuously interconnects the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the sun member of the second planetary gear set.

Furthermore, a first torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set. A second torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the input member and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set. A third torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set. A fourth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element. A fifth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element. A sixth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set and the carrier member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transmission having at least seven forward speeds and at least one reverse.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a transmission having three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices.

Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a lever diagram of an embodiment of an seven speed transmission according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an embodiment of an seven speed transmission according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of an seven speed transmission according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a truth table presenting the state of engagement of the various torque transmitting elements in each of the available forward and reverse speeds or gear ratios of the transmission illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

At the outset, it should be appreciated that the embodiments of the seven speed automatic transmission of the present invention have an arrangement of permanent mechanical connections between the elements of the three planetary gear sets. A first component or element of a first planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a first component or element of the second planetary gear set. A second component or element of a first planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a second component or element of the second planetary gear set.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a seven speed transmission 10 is illustrated in a lever diagram format. A lever diagram is a schematic representation of the components of a mechanical device such as an automatic transmission. Each individual lever represents a planetary gear set wherein the three basic mechanical components of the planetary gear are each represented by a node. Therefore, a single lever contains three nodes: one for the sun gear, one for the planet gear carrier, and one for the ring gear. The relative length between the nodes of each lever can be used to represent the ring-to-sun ratio of each respective gear set. These lever ratios, in turn, are used to vary the gear ratios of the transmission in order to achieve an appropriate ratios and ratio progression. Mechanical couplings or interconnections between the nodes of the various planetary gear sets are illustrated by thin, horizontal lines and torque transmitting devices such as clutches and brakes are presented as interleaved fingers. Further explanation of the format, purpose and use of lever diagrams can be found in SAE Paper 810102, “The Lever Analogy: A New Tool in Transmission Analysis” by Benford and Leising which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

The transmission 10 includes an input shaft or member 12, a first planetary gear set 14 having three nodes: a first node 14A, a second node 14B and a third node 14C, a second planetary gear set 16 having three nodes: a first node 16A, a second node 16B and a third node 16C and a third planetary gear set 18 having three nodes: a first node 18A, a second node 18B and an output shaft or member 22.

The input member 12 is coupled to the third node 18C of the third planetary gear set 18. The output member 22 is coupled to the third node 16C of the second planetary gear set 16. The first node 14A of the first planetary gear set 14 is coupled to the first node 16A of the second planetary gear set 16. The second node 14B of the first planetary gear set 14 is coupled to the second node 16B of the second planetary gear set 16.

A first clutch 26 selectively connects the first node 14A of the first planetary gear set 14 and the first node 16A of the second planetary gear set 16 with the second node 18B of the third planetary gear set 18. A second clutch 28 selectively connects the third node 18C of the third planetary gear set 18 and input member 12 with the second node 14B of the first planetary gear set 14 and the second node 16B of the second planetary gear set 16. A third clutch 30 selectively connects the third node 14C of the first planetary gear set 14 to the second node 18B of the third planetary gear set 18. A first brake 32 selectively connects the first node 18A of the third planetary gear set 18 to a stationary member or transmission housing 50. A second brake 34 selectively connects the first node 16A of the second planetary gear set 16 and the first node 14A of the first planetary gear set 14 to the stationary member or transmission housing 50. A third brake 36 selectively connects the second node 16B of the second planetary gear set 16 and the second node 14B of the first planetary gear set 14 to a stationary member or transmission housing 50.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a stick diagram presents a schematic layout of the embodiment of the seven speed transmission 10 according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the numbering from the lever diagram of FIG. 1 is carried over. The clutches and couplings are correspondingly presented whereas the nodes of the planetary gear sets now appear as components of planetary gear sets such as sun gears, ring gears, planet gears and planet gear carriers.

For example, the planetary gear set 14 includes a sun gear member 14C, a ring gear member 14A and a planet gear carrier member 14B that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 14D (only one of which is shown). The sun gear member 14C is connected for common rotation with a first shaft or interconnecting member 42. The ring gear member 14A is connected for common rotation with a second shaft or interconnecting member 44 and with a third shaft or interconnecting member 46. The planet carrier member 14B is connected for common rotation with a fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48. Each of the planet gears 14D are configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 14C and the ring gear member 14A.

The planetary gear set 16 includes a sun gear member 16A, a ring gear member 16C and a planet gear carrier member 16B that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 16D (only one of which is shown). The sun gear member 16A is connected for common rotation with the third shaft or interconnecting member 46. The ring gear member 16C is connected for common rotation with the output member or shaft 22. The planet carrier member 16B is connected for common rotation with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48 and the fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52. Each of the planet gears 16D are configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 16A and the ring gear member 16C.

The planetary gear set 18 includes a sun gear member 18A, a ring gear member 18C and a planet gear carrier member 18B that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 18D (only one of which is shown). The sun gear member 18A is connected for common rotation with a sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54. The ring gear member 18C is connected for common rotation with input shaft or member 12. The planet carrier member 18B is connected for common rotation with a seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56. Each of the planet gears 18D are configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 18A and the ring gear member 18C.

The input shaft or member 12 is continuously connected to an engine (not shown) or to a turbine of a torque converter (not shown). The output shaft or member 22 is continuously connected with the final drive unit or transfer case (not shown).

The torque-transmitting mechanisms or clutches 26, 28 and 30 and brakes 32, 34 and 36 allow for selective interconnection of the shafts or interconnecting members, members of the planetary gear sets and the housing. For example, the first clutch 26 is selectively engageable to connect the second shaft or interconnecting member 44 with the seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56. The second clutch 28 is selectively engageable to connect the input shaft or member 12 with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48. The third clutch 30 is selectively engageable to connect the first shaft or interconnecting member 42 with the seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56. The first brake 32 is selectively engageable to connect the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54 with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50 in order to restrict the member 54 from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50. The second brake 34 is selectively engageable to connect the third shaft or interconnecting member 46 with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50 in order to restrict the member 46 from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50. The third brake 36 is selectively engageable to connect the fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52 with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50 in order to restrict the member 52 from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a stick diagram presents a schematic layout of another embodiment of the seven speed transmission 10′ according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, the numbering from the lever diagram of FIG. 1 is carried over with the addition of a prime symbol. The clutches and couplings are correspondingly presented whereas the nodes of the planetary gear sets now appear as components of planetary gear sets such as sun gears, ring gears, planet gears and planet gear carriers.

For example, the planetary gear set 14′ includes a sun gear member 14C′, a ring gear member 14B′ and a planet gear carrier member 14A′ that rotatably supports a first set of planet gears 14D′ (only one of which is shown) and a second set of planet gears 14E′ (only one of which is shown). The sun gear member 14C′ is connected for common rotation with a first shaft or interconnecting member 42′. The ring gear member 14B′ is connected for common rotation with a second shaft or interconnecting member 44′. The planet carrier member 14A′ is connected for common rotation with a third shaft or interconnecting member 46′ and a fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48′. Each of the planet gears 14D′ are configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 14C′ and planet gears 14E′. Each of the planet gears 14E′ are configured to intermesh with both the ring gear member 14A′ and the planet gears 14D′.

The planetary gear set 16 includes a sun gear member 16A′, a ring gear member 16C′ and a planet gear carrier member 16B′ that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 16D′ (only one of which is shown). The sun gear member 16A′ is connected for common rotation with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48′. The ring gear member 16C′ is connected for common rotation with the output shaft or member 22′. The planet carrier member 16B′ is connected for common rotation with the second shaft or interconnecting member 44′ and a fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52′. Each of the planet gears 16D′ are configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 16A′ and the ring gear member 16C′.

The planetary gear set 18′ includes a sun gear member 18A′, a ring gear member 18C′ and a planet gear carrier member 18B′ that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 18D′ (only one of which is shown). The sun gear member 18A′ is connected for common rotation with a sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54′. The ring gear member 18C′ is connected for common rotation with input shaft or member 12′. The planet carrier member 18B′ is connected for common rotation with a seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56′. Each of the planet gears 18D′ are configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 18A′ and the ring gear member 18C′.

The input shaft or member 12′ is continuously connected to an engine (not shown) or to a turbine of a torque converter (not shown). The output shaft or member 22′ is continuously connected with the final drive unit or transfer case (not shown).

The torque-transmitting mechanisms or clutches 26′, 28′ and 30′ and brakes 32′, 34′ and 36′ allow for selective interconnection of the shafts or interconnecting members, members of the planetary gear sets and the housing. For example, the first clutch 26′ is selectively engageable to connect the third shaft or interconnecting member 46′ with the seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56′. The second clutch 28′ is selectively engageable to connect the input shaft or member 12′ with the fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52′. The third clutch 30′ is selectively engageable to connect the first shaft or interconnecting member 42′ with the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 56′. The first brake 32′ is selectively engageable to connect the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54′ with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50′ in order to restrict the member 54′ from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50′. The second brake 34′ is selectively engageable to connect the third shaft or interconnecting member 46′ with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50′ in order to restrict the member 46′ from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50′. The third brake 36′ is selectively engageable to connect the second shaft or interconnecting member 44′ with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50′ in order to restrict the member 44′ from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50′.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and FIG. 4, the operation of the embodiments of the seven speed transmission 10 and 10′ will be described. It will be appreciated that transmissions 10, 10′ are capable of transmitting torque from the input shaft or member 12, 12′ to the output shaft or member 22, 22′ in at least seven forward speed or torque ratios and at least one reverse speed or torque ratio with triple overdrive. Each forward and reverse speed or torque ratio is attained by engagement of one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms (i.e. first clutch 26, 26′, second clutch 28, 28′, third clutch 30, 30′, first brake 32, 32′, second brake 34, 34′ and third brake 36, 36′), as will be explained below. FIG. 4 is a truth table presenting the various combinations of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are activated or engaged to achieve the various gear states. An “X” in the box means that the particular clutch or brake is engaged to achieve the desired gear state. An “O” represents that the particular torque transmitting device (i.e. a brake or clutch) is on or active, but not carrying torque. Actual numerical gear ratios of the various gear states are also presented although it should be appreciated that these numerical values are exemplary only and that they may be adjusted over significant ranges to accommodate various applications and operational criteria of the transmissions 10, 10′. An example of the gear ratios that may be obtained using the embodiments of the present invention are also shown in FIG. 4. Of course, other gear ratios are achievable depending on the gear diameter, gear teeth count and gear configuration selected.

For example with respect to transmission 10, reverse gear is established by engaging or activating the first clutch 26, first brake 32 and third brake 36. The first clutch 26 connects the second shaft or interconnecting member 44 with the seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56. The first brake 32 connects the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54 with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50 in order to restrict the member 54 from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50. The third brake 36 connects the fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52 with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50 in order to restrict the member 52 from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50. Likewise, the seven forward ratios are achieved through different combinations of clutch and brake engagement, as shown in FIG. 4.

With continuing reference to FIG. 4 and with respect to transmission 10′, reverse gear is established by engaging or activating the first clutch 26′, first brake 32′ and third brake 36′ are engaged or activated. The first clutch 26′ connects the third shaft or interconnecting member 46′ with the seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56′. The first brake 32 connects the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54′ with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50′ in order to restrict the member 54′ from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50′. The third brake 36′ connects the second shaft or interconnecting member 44′ with the stationary element or the transmission housing 50′ in order to restrict the member 44′ from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50′. Likewise, the seven forward ratios are achieved through different combinations of clutch and brake engagement, as shown in FIG. 4.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing explanation of operation and gear states of the seven speed transmissions 10, 10′ assumes, first of all, that all the clutches not specifically referenced in a given gear state are inactive or disengaged and, second of all, that during gear shifts, i.e., changes of gear state, between at least adjacent gear states, a clutch engaged or activated in both gear states will remain engaged or activated.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected to the third member of the third planetary gear set and the output member is continuously interconnected to the third member of the second planetary gear set; a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the first planetary gear set with the first member of the second planetary gear set; a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set; and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members with at least another of the first, second, third members and a stationary element, and wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
 2. The transmission of claim 1 wherein a first of the six torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set.
 3. The transmission of claim 2 wherein a second of the six torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the input member with the second member of the second planetary gear set and the second member of the first planetary gear set.
 4. The transmission of claim 3 wherein a third of the six torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set.
 5. The transmission of claim 4 wherein a fourth of the six torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element.
 6. The transmission of claim 5 wherein a fifth of the six torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the first planetary gear set and the first member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element.
 7. The transmission of claim 6 wherein a sixth of the six torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the second member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary element.
 8. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the third member of the first planetary gear set and the first member of the second and third planetary gear sets are sun gears, the second members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets are carrier members, and the first member of the first planetary gear set and the third member of the second and third planetary gear sets are ring gears.
 9. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the third member of the first planetary gear set and the first member of the second and third planetary gear sets are sun gears, the second members of the second and third planetary gear sets and the first member of the first planetary gear set are carrier members, and the second member of the first planetary gear set and the third member of the second and third planetary gear sets are ring gears.
 10. The transmission of claim 1 wherein three of the torque transmitting mechanisms are brakes for connecting a plurality of the first, second, and third members to the stationary element and three of the torque transmitting mechanisms are clutches for connecting a set of the first, second, and third members to another set of the first, second, and third members.
 11. A transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected to the third member of the third planetary gear set and the output member is continuously interconnected to the third member of the second planetary gear set; a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the first planetary gear set with the first member of the second planetary gear set; a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set; and a first clutch mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set; a second clutch selectively engageable to interconnect the input member with the second member of the second planetary gear set and the second member of the first planetary gear set; a third clutch mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set; a first brake selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element; a second brake selectively engageable to interconnect the first member of the first planetary gear set and the first member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element; and a third brake selectively engageable to interconnect the second member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element, wherein the clutches and brakes are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
 12. The transmission of claim 10 wherein the third member of the first planetary gear set and the first member of the second and third planetary gear sets are sun gears, the second members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets are carrier members, and the first member of the first planetary gear set and the third member of the second and third planetary gear sets are ring gears.
 13. The transmission of claim 10 wherein the third member of the first planetary gear set and the first member of the second and third planetary gear sets are sun gears, the second members of the second and third planetary gear sets and the first member of the first planetary gear set are carrier members, and the second member of the first planetary gear set and the third member of the second and third planetary gear sets are ring gears.
 14. A transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having a sun gear member, a carrier member and a ring gear member, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected to the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set and the output member is continuously interconnected to the ring gear member of the second planetary gear set; a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set with the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set; a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set; and a first clutch mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set; a second clutch selectively engageable to interconnect the input member with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set and the carrier member of the first planetary gear set; a third clutch mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set; a first brake selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element; a second brake selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set and the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element; and a third brake selectively engageable to interconnect the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary element, wherein the clutches and brakes are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
 15. A transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having a sun gear member, a carrier member and a ring gear member, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected to the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set and the output member is continuously interconnected to the ring gear member of the second planetary gear set; a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set; a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set; and a first clutch mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the carrier member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set; a second clutch selectively engageable to interconnect the input member and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set with the carrier member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set; a third clutch mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set with the carrier member of the third planetary gear set; a first brake selectively engageable to interconnect the sun gear member of the third planetary gear set with the stationary element; a second brake selectively engageable to interconnect the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element; and a third brake selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear member of the first planetary gear set and the carrier member of the second planetary gear set with the stationary element, wherein the clutches and brakes are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. 